Mwezi

The ladies requested aprons, so ... hakuna shida. No problem.  I apologized for bringing them white, but that was all I could find.  They were thrilled, because white is so clean looking.  I think they look pretty "smart" myself!

I picked up Eunice and Rita so that they could help me in the market today - and have lots of fun in the process. (The big children are out of school today and tomorrow because of the nationwide KCPE exams for Class 8 students.)  I like to avoid market day, but didn't realize that there was a well formed committee that came into Kisersian last month to straighten out the chaos of market day - it was actually really great.  I continued on my bargaining streak with a new found gusto after yesterday.  The girls stood quietly watching and would laugh only when we moved on to the next vendors.  I later heard Rita explaining to Grace how "Auntie Simmie likes to bargain, and she gets the price she wants.  She argued over 50 shillings."  I cracked up at this, because she's right.  Though, I lost the 50 shilling. 

Rita and Eunice

We started at the little supermarket in town, because they have some decent deals upstairs.  These two girls had never been shopping in Kisersian, or anywhere, for that matter.  Watching them try on shoes was a hoot.  Their selections?  All I could do was smile and say sawa.  OK.  But I don't think they even heard me - they were too focused on the shoes.

Rita's choice killed me.  Eunice's was a bit more conservative.  They picked up a pair for every girl at WWC, cruising around the shoe aisle like little vacuums. These shoes are specifically for church.  All the girls were so proud with their new shiny and blingy shoes, it was adorable.  

Out in the streets:

Back at the shoes!

I went particularly hard on the shoe vendors, as I listened to them speaking about me in Kiswahili, scheming as to how they could scam me.  Rita and Eunice were horrified, and kept their heads down, sorting the shoes.  I let the three vendors carry on with one another until they stopped, once they figured out their plan on how to bilk me.  

Kwa aibu. Zote. Sema Kiswahili.  (Shame on you, all of you. I speak your language).  I then went into a tirade about helping the children of their country, that I give my time and am not paid for this work.  "When did you last help someone other than yourselves? "  It was fun watching them backpedal.  I'm glad no one hurt themselves.  I basically told them all to stuff it, until the leader of the pack told me he would give me the 20 pair of sandals for 3200ksh. Down from 4500ksh. 

2000 or "Kwenda mbali. Tabia baya sana".  Get lost, you all have bad manners.

I got 20 pair for 2000KSH - $20USD

The girls and I headed out to get a few pair of trousers and little necessities from other vendors.  I buy the same items all the time - our needs are pretty consistent at WWC.. 

Off we went to the car wash - just in case you've never seen a Kenyan car wash:

I really don't get the obsession with car washes in this country.  They're everywhere, and always busy, even in the rain.  Wash inside and out, mat cleaning and wiping down?  200 shilling.  Best deal in the country!  I tipped the guys 100 more shilling - better them than the thieves over at the shoes :)

Traffic jam on the road to WWC

By the time we got to Ereteti School to pick up the little ones, we were an hour late, and of course no one noticed.  I sat with the principle for about 30 minutes, shooting the breeze and drinking chai.  He's a lovely man, and the more time I spend with him, the more I like him.  Ereteti has changed completely (for the better) since he came on board.  

And look who delivered the mattresses, as promised!!

I have to admit, I was very surprised.

Construction is still going on - we should be done by the time I leave tomorrow.

 Catho is doing great, back to normal.  Her wound is healing and getting the fresh air it is supposed to.



                                Peter and Josie.  Delightful as always!

It's going to be sad leaving the children tomorrow, though I know they are all in excellent hands.  I am completely indebted to Tony, Grace, Penina, Eunice and Bernard.  They are one great team, and I continue to be blessed by their hard work, love of the children and appreciation of WWC.  

It just doesn't get any better than this.

Lala salaama from Kenya.  It's been a terrific last day.

Tuonane baadaye ~

Simmie and Eric